Headteacher who tried to block Ofsted inspectors is found to be failing pupils after finally having school reviewed
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A headteacher who tried to block Ofsted inspectors has finally had her school reviewed – and it was found to be failing pupils. Flora Cooper angered parents last March when she urged supporters to blockade John Rankin Junior School in protest over the death of fellow head Ruth Perry.
![[Flora Cooper angered parents last March when she urged supporters to blockade John Rankin Junior School]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/22/22/93410593-14219747-image-a-52_1734906706855.jpg)
Mrs Perry, 53, killed herself after Ofsted inspectors said her school, Caversham Primary in Reading, was being downgraded from outstanding to inadequate. Now Ofsted has rated Ms Cooper’s school in Newbury, Berkshire, as inadequate based on the quality of its education and its leadership and management.
![[Ruth Perry (pictured) killed herself after Ofsted inspectors said her school, Caversham Primary in Reading, was being downgraded]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/22/22/93410583-14219747-image-a-53_1734906727892.jpg)
A report from its inspection in October criticised the quality of teaching, saying: ‘Pupils do not receive an acceptable standard of education. Headteacher Flora Cooper, wearing a black armband, stands next to a photograph of Ruth Perry as she closes the school gate at John Rankin Schools in Newbury, Berkshire in 2023.
Flora Cooper angered parents last March when she urged supporters to blockade John Rankin Junior School. Ruth Perry (pictured) killed herself after Ofsted inspectors said her school, Caversham Primary in Reading, was being downgraded. 'The school does not have high enough expectations of pupils’ academic success. This means they are not prepared for their next steps.’.
The report has caused a stir locally, with a group of angry parents starting a petition calling for Ms Cooper and the chairman of governors to be removed from their posts. Tory MP Greg Smith said: ‘Ofsted is a stressful process, but the vast majority of teachers work incredibly hard in the interests of children they teach.
